It reminds me of the concept in astronomy of first light, when a new telescope observes the universe for the first time.
We will witness light that has traveled from the distant universe across billions of years, staring back into a point in time that has never been seen.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect is that we live in a time where amazing firsts happen frequently — and this week was filled with them. It’s enough to make you want to reach up for the sunrise.
Across the universe
We have finally looked into the heart of our galaxy and uncovered a “gentle giant.”
The presence of an immense object at the galactic center has been suspected for years, but this is the only direct visual evidence.
The feat, achieved by more than 300 astronomers using a global network of eight telescopes, has been years in the making.
The unprecedented image could pave the way for documenting the true motion of black holes, which could change our understanding of these extreme cosmic objects.
Fossils and fireballs
An asteroid crashed into Earth 66 million years ago, ending the age of the dinosaurs. Now, researchers believe they have found a fragment of that space rock encased in amber.
Together, these remarkable finds reconstruct the moments after the fatal blast when the asteroid created the Chicxulub impact crater off the coast of Mexico.
The discoveries have been shared in a new documentary featuring naturalist Sir David Attenborough and paleontologist Robert DePalma called “Dinosaur Apocalypse,” which aired this week on PBS.
Wild kingdom
Iran the Asiatic cheetah was found in a home by conservation researchers in 2017 when she was 8 months old, likely about to be smuggled by wildlife traffickers.
The births mark the first time this critically endangered species has reproduced in captivity, according to the Iranian Cheetah Society. These stunning animals once lived across Central Asia.
Now, the society says there are only about 12 left in the wild — which is why this newborn announcement is of such consequence.
Force of nature
When the undersea Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano blasted on January 15, 40 miles (65 kilometers) north of Tonga’s capital, it created one of the most powerful eruptions on the planet.
Lunar update
Scientists were able to grow plants in lunar soil, using samples collected during the Apollo missions, in a landmark experiment.
It’s the first time a plant has been sprouted and grown on Earth in soil from another celestial body.
But the seedlings showed signs of stress as they struggled to adapt to the antagonistic alien soil, turning different colors and showing slow development and stunted growth.
Discoveries
You never know what you’ll find: